Cephaloscyllium umbratile

(Jordan & Fowler, 1903)

Vernacular names
English : Japanese swell shark
French : Holbiche japonaise

Classification
Class : Elasmobranchii
Order : Carcharhiniformes
Family : Scyliorhinidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species can grow to 120 cm in length, males being slightly bigger than females. Large dorsally flattened head with thick lips on sides. Coloration is brown, with dark saddles on back, and irregular blotches on whole dorsal side.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the north-west Pacific Ocean, from Japanese coasts (most big Japanese islands) to Taiwan. Its range possibly extends to New Guinea. Lives in rocky reefs and sandy bottoms on continental shelf, from 90 to 200 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a small range but is locally common. Its status is unknown. It is heavily targeted by local fisheries and the effects haven’t been studied.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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